Diving in Philippines?
I'll be going to the PI in February for about a week. What are the recommended dive spots near Manila? I was thinking about Puerto Galera. Any other places I should consider?
Thanks!
Posted Sep 17, 2019, 1:29 AM UTC
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I would try to get to Malapascua for the thresher sharks if you can fit it in!
3
Sounds awesome, but for a first trek into a new country, I want to keep it as simple as possible. Maybe in the future I’ll fly into Cebu and island hop around there.
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If you can get to Coron there's some really awesome wreck dives.
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Thank you. Will research.
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Anilao/Batangas is nice because it’s not too far of a drive from Manila
Apo island is nice
Anywhere in Palawan
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Thank you. Will research.
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Donsol was great when i went there. The whales sharks are incredible! But thats not diving its just snorkeling
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Snorkeling is fun, too. Would love to see some whale sharks. I’ll probably be freaked out, but still would love to see them up close.
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Yeh they are amazing there! One of them literally surfaced below me and i had to dodge the fin of this massive 15metre long creature. Supposedly they are always there because of the rich plankton.
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Now that’s a once in a lifetime experience right there!
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Can see them from Puerto Princesa, Palawan as well.
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Specifically near Manila, the closest is Anilao. Easy. Cheap bus ride, followed by Jeepney, followed by tuktuk.
Puerto Galera is the second closest.
Romblon is probably the third.
Coron fourth.
If you're willing to fly, most of the Philippines is easy, if you have carry-on luggage only. Manila to Dumaguete, which gets you to Dauin or Siquijor.
Manila to Bohol.
Manila to Palawan, which gets you to Port Barton.
Manila to Cebu, which is Mactan, Moalboal or Malapascua (bit further)
As an experienced diver, my favourite places are Dauin/Zamboanguita and Malapascua.
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Thank you for the detailed reply. I think Puerto Galera first got on my radar after seeing a pic or two of their marine life here. Made me want to dive that part of the world. My thinking is to stick with the plan and dive PH, and then do research for future trips. My thinking now is that I could probably throw a dart at a map of the PI and find good diving around there. :)
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Dont forget the wrecks of Subic as an option!
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Puerto Galera has great diving, just be aware of what it also has...I at least wasn't, and resulted in a mild shock. However, I still enjoyed a small week there, before heading on to Coron. Sorry if this goes out to any of you, but what I saw, is that in reality Puerto Galera is packed with young ladies holding hands with old fat tattooed American sailors.
Edit: A bit too offensive
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Is coron different? First time in the PI.
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Oh I absolutely loved Coron. The city I stayed in is a bit primitive (or it was 5 years ago, don't know about now), but the diving is amazing. Very different divesites - Barracuda Lake with ~35 C water (much fun), wrecks, small caves, etc.
But it heavily depends on who you are and what you like :-)
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Thanks, will research. Me, i like diving and seeing beautiful sea life, and I’m pretty good at minding my own business otherwise. :)
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agreed. live and let live..
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Not a lot of sea life around Coron, except for one site I went to.
It's nice, (and barracuda lake is strange as heck to dive in), but Coron is about sunken boats more than marine life.
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Puerto Galera will keep you busy for a week
Thanks, it looks wonderful there. Any recommended places to stay? Recommended dive companies?
Maybe Scandi divers.
I was just looking at them today. Providence! :)